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ArkRoyal wrote: BH: I agree. Years ago they had Tony Greig, plus they used to bring out Tyson, Trueman, Willis, ore even Cozier, to try and provide a little bit of ballance to the commentary. Now days, they bring out Pietersen, so they can have a piddle take session at his expense, forgetting, of course, that the man was integral to England winning the urn back in the first place. In short, the commentary descends into little more than a farce at times.

On WM directlly, in terms of commentary he is the best of the lot for the reasons I have mentioned in a previous post and above. In terms of opening batsmen, his record is second only to Arthur Morris since the war. Lawry made four centuries in England with an average of 45, Simpson averaged 46.00, but made just one century -- 311. Simpson batted 16 times in England, if you take out his 311, plus two 'not outs', he made less than 350 runs in the country and would have averaged 21.12.

In regards the captaincy, he was badlly treatted by the board. We know this because Ian Chappell has confirmed it.

Lastlly, if I may, on the twwnty-twenty cricket itself. The fact that they are playing, for the most part, a second XI, suggests that the ACB sees this format of the sport in a poor light.

As you said BH, well done to the Sri Lankans on a fine achievement.

A man who played to win. He got shit on for declaring very late in a Test ( left opposition about 700 runs to win) & got a draw which I think won the series. Played in grand final for Northcote against Essendon who declared for about 600 runs. Bill batted for it seemed weeks to score over 200 & Northcote got up. Great pigeon man..

Lets not forget he was taking the piss out of the umpires also, seems Bill was having a great time.

There was one call where the umpire pinged the aussies for wides and it clearly hit the thigh pad, Bill was laughing away at that decision.

LS -- thanks for the post: he actually won that test against the WI in 68-9. The WI made 354 on the fourth innings which was a great effort and showed why Lawry was cautious in making his declaration. One other thing we need to keep in mind about Lawry's captaincy is that he never had a great bowlling attack.

It is alright for people, such as Ian Chapppell, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh to declare 350 in front, because, as we know, they had good bowlling attacks.

ArkRoyal wrote: LS -- thanks for the post: he actually won that test against the WI in 68-9. The WI made 354 on the fourth innings which was a great effort and showed why Lawry was cautious in making his declaration. One other thing we need to keep in mind about Lawry's captaincy is that he never had a great bowlling attack.

Well corrected as I wasn't sure who won. Sure about the Northcote win as Bill made over 250.
It was hard yakka then with no potent attack but good batsmen & Bill paid the penalty.. Probably no too many NSW idiots in his team.

ArkRoyal wrote: I don't remember Richie Beanaud ever supportting Australia and rightlly so. It is called being professional.

So well said ARK, Warne Slater and especially Healy, should take heed.

Quite correct LS in regards to Bill making a marathon innings to get his side home in a Melbourne Grade Final for Northcote against Essendon after they knocked up a massive score after winning the toss and batting, I heard him interviewed some time ago about it.
Not sure if anyone has seen the brilliant Cricket Legends interviews on Foxsports by Crash Craddock but they are well worth a look.

Bill Lawry Aussies version of Boycott surely???

UNK: I think that is good comparison you have made between Boycott and Lawry. This has been a good thread because it has allowed people to talk about WM's exploits, be they in club cricket, the Shield or for the national team. The key point being, that, unlike his colleagues in the commentary box, Bill Lawry will not talk about himself; he would see it, rightlly, as big headed and rude.